Background Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) using the full-thickness resection device (FTRD ) is an invasive treatment for colorectal lesions not resectable by conventional endoscopic techniques. This study presents the first Greek experience of the FTRD  procedure, assessing the efficacy and safety of EFTR. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 17 consecutive patients treated with the FTRD  at 2 referral centers from October 2015 through December 2018. The indications included difficult adenomas (non-lifting and/or at difficult locations), early adenocarcinomas and subepithelial tumors. Primary endpoints were technical success and R0 resection. Results Technical success and R0 resection were achieved in 82.3% procedures (14/17) and in 87.5% of those with difficult adenomas (8 patients). In the subgroup with carcinomas (n=3), the rate of technical success and R0 resection was 66.6%, while in the subgroup with subepithelial tumors (n=6) the rate was 83.3%. Technical success and R0 resection were significantly lower for lesions >20 mm vs. ≤20 mm (P=0.0429). In the 17 patients a total of 3 adverse events occurred (17.6%) and one of the patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy because of EFTR around the appendix. Conclusions Our study showed favorable results concerning EFTR feasibility, efficacy and safety, especially for lesions ≤20 mm, non-lifting adenomas, and subepithelial tumors. Technical success, R0 resection, and adverse events rates were comparable with previously published data. Larger randomized studies are needed to better define the clinical benefit and long-term outcomes of EFTR in selected patients.

Background Endoscopic-post-operative-recurrence (ePOR) in Crohn’s disease (CD) after ileocecal resection (ICR) is a major concern. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early prophylaxis with biologics and to compare anti-TNF therapy to vedolizumab (VDZ) and ustekinumab (UST) in a real-world setting. Methods A retrospective multicenter study of CD-adults after curative ICR on early prophylaxis. ePOR was defined as a Rutgeerts score [RS]≥i2 or colonic-segmental-SES-CD≥6. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors, and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to compare the effectiveness between agents. Results Included 297 patients (53.9% males, age at diagnosis 24y[19-32], age at ICR-34y[26-43], 18.5% smokers, 27.6% biologic-naïve, 65.7% anti-TNF experienced, 28.6%≥2 biologics, and 17.2% previous surgery). Overall, 224, 39 and 34 patients received anti-TNF, VDZ or UST, respectively. Patients treated with VDZ and UST were more biologic experienced with higher rates of previous surgery. ePOR rates within 1-year were: 41.8%. ePOR rates by treatment groups: anti-TNF 40.2%, VDZ 33% and UST 61.8%. Risk factors for ePOR at 1-year: past-infliximab (adj.OR=1.73[95%CI:1.01-2.97]), past-adalimumab (adj.OR=2.32[95% CI:1.35-4.01) and surgical aspects. After IPTW, the risk of ePOR within 1-year of VDZ vs. anti-TNF or UST vs. anti-TNF was comparable (OR=0.55[95%CI:0.25-1.19], OR=1.86[95%CI:0.79-4.38]), respectively. Conclusion Prevention of ePOR within 1-year after surgery was successful in ~60% of patients. Patients treated with VDZ or UST consisted of a more refractory group. After controlling for confounders, no differences in ePOR risk were seen between anti-TNF prophylaxis and other groups.

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Background Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affecting negatively the patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and real-life management of anemia in IBD patients in Greece. Methods This study was conducted in 17 Greek IBD referral centers. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, IBD and anemia treatment data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 1394 IBD patients [560 ulcerative colitis (UC), 834 Crohn’s disease (CD)] were enrolled. Anemia at any time was reported in 687 (49.3%) patients of whom 413 (29.6%) had episodic and 274 (19.7%) had recurrent/persistent anemia. Anemia was diagnosed before IBD in 45 (6.5%), along with IBD in 269 (39.2%) and after IBD in 373 (54.3%) patients. In the multivariate analysis the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (p = 0.0008), IBD duration (p = 0.026), IBD related surgeries and hospitalizations (p = 0.026 and p = 0.004 accordingly) were risk factors of recurrent/persistent anemia. Serum ferritin was measured in 839 (60.2%) IBD patients. Among anemic patients, 535 (77.9%) received treatment. Iron supplementation was administered in 485 (90.6%) patients, oral in 142 (29.3%) and intravenous in 393 (81%). Conclusions The frequency of anemia in IBD patients, followed at Greek referral centers, is approximately 50%. Development of recurrent/persistent anemia may be observed in 20% of cases and is independently associated with the presence of extraintestinal manifestations, IBD duration, IBD related surgeries and hospitalizations. Anemia treatment is administered in up to $$4/5$$ 4 / 5 of anemia IBD patients with the majority of them receiving iron intravenously.

Background Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) using the full-thickness resection device (FTRD  ) is an invasive treatment for colorectal lesions not resectable by conventional endoscopic techniques. This study presents the first Greek experience of the FTRD  procedure, assessing the efficacy and safety of EFTR. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 17 consecutive patients treated with the FTRD  at 2 referral centers from October 2015 through December 2018. The indications included difficult adenomas (non-lifting and/or at difficult locations), early adenocarcinomas and subepithelial tumors. Primary endpoints were technical success and R0 resection.Results Technical success and R0 resection were achieved in 82.3% procedures (14/17) and in 87.5% of those with difficult adenomas (8 patients). In the subgroup with carcinomas (n=3), the rate of technical success and R0 resection was 66.6%, while in the subgroup with subepithelial tumors (n=6) the rate was 83.3%. Technical success and R0 resection were significantly lower for lesions >20 mm vs. ≤20 mm (P=0.0429). In the 17 patients a total of 3 adverse events occurred (17.6%) and one of the patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy because of EFTR around the appendix. ConclusionsOur study showed favorable results concerning EFTR feasibility, efficacy and safety, especially for lesions ≤20 mm, non-lifting adenomas, and subepithelial tumors. Technical success, R0 resection, and adverse events rates were comparable with previously published data. Larger randomized studies are needed to better define the clinical benefit and long-term outcomes of EFTR in selected patients.